Mary Louise Haymaker, 82, died at her home on Paradise Lake Rd., Martinsville Wednesday. She was a four-time elected trustee of Harrison Township and known as an advocate and volunteer helper for small businesses, the poor and the elderly. She never knew a stranger and never turned down anyone for assistance.
Services will be at 10 A.M. Saturday at Banta United Methodist Church with burial at the Waverly Odd Fellow Cemetery, originally the Etter family cemetery, her ancestors and pioneer settlers in Morgan and Johnson counties. Calling is from 3-8 P.M. Friday at Carlisle & Son Funeral Chapel, Mooresville.
The daughter of Samuel and Ruby (Ennis) Leonard she was born April 25, 1927 at Franklin where she graduated from high school in 1944. She worked with the USO and the pharmacy at Camp Atterbury and was a secretary for the Indiana National Guard and Inland Container before managing the Flint Ink Company office until 1974. For 22 years she operated H & K Enterprises with her daughter, Shelley Kelly.
She was the widow of Robert N. Haymaker who died in 2002. They were well known for their work with the Mid-States Donkey and Mule Show Society helping to develop the show at the Indiana State Fair. They also participated in the Martinsville Fall Foliage Festival and were livestock superintendents at the Morgan County Fair where their children and grandchildren exhibited for 50 years. They were scout leaders and dedicated Purdue supporters.
A 40-year precinct committeewoman, she was formerly vice chairman of the Morgan County Democratic Central Committee. She currently served on the Morgan County Tax Appeals Board.
Haymaker was many times the Worthy Matron of the Waverly Order of the Eastern Star, where she was a charter member. She sang in the choir at the Banta United Methodist Church and was a board member.
Survivors include her children, Nancy Kramer (Alan), Randy Haymaker (Joan) and Beverly Beikman (Joe) of Mooresville and Shelley Kelly (Mike) of Bargersville; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to Banta Church or the Center for Agricultural Science and Heritage (The Barn) at the Pioneer Village of the Indiana State Fair, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205. Visit http://www.lifestorynet.com/memories/48175/ to share a favorite memory or sign the online guest registry.